Introduction
In this assignment I will look at two critical incidents in my teaching. I will firstly describe the critical incidents, then relate these incidents to relevant teaching theory and finally explain how these incidents have influenced and changed aspects of my teaching practice. Cunningham describes a critical incident as a situation in working life that causes a ‘significant disturbance’ to our beliefs and the way we practice, and following reflecting upon this event it changes our viewpoint (2008:166).
Consideration of own specialist or context area and appropriate subject specific or context-specific pedagogy
I teach on a music production and business course, which is part of a foundation-learning programme for young people. These programmes are designed for students working at entry level and level 1 and consist of three components:
Vocational learning
Personal and social development
Functional skills
Many of the students on this programme have little or no qualifications, emotional or behavioural issues, learning difficulties or have been out of education for a prolonged period of time.
I teach the vocational subject of the programme. The aim of the course is to develop music production skills, specifically using computer technology alongside many other skills such as working in groups, communication and presentation skills.
The teaching methods that suit teaching this subject and especially this type of learner are based around a lot of practical ‘hands on’ activities. I use a lot of short exercises and tasks that are short and provide the opportunity for feedback.
Critical incident 1
As explained earlier many of the students I teach have a varied range of special educational need, and this incident occurred when teaching a young person with ADHD.
I had been made aware before the student started, I understood the problems faced by students with this condition and had some experience with working with